CT cisternography in congenital perilymphatic fistula of the inner ear

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1995 Sep-Oct;19(5):797-9. doi: 10.1097/00004728-199509000-00018.

Abstract

Perilymphatic fistulas of the inner ear constitute abnormal leaks of perilymphatic fluid into the middle ear or mastoid air cell system and represent a rare cause of otorrhea. We report the case of a 5-month-old child presenting with sudden otorrhea. High resolution CT cisternography showed a malformation of the middle ear and a passage of contrast-enhanced CSF into the tympanic cavity through the left oval window. Surgery confirmed a tear of the tympanic membrane as well as a stapes malformation with aplasia of the crura and an associated perilymphatic fistula through a defect in the stapes footplate. The fistula was closed with adipose tissue from the ear lobe.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / diagnostic imaging
  • Cisterna Magna / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ear Diseases / congenital
  • Ear Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Fistula / congenital*
  • Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Labyrinth Diseases / congenital*
  • Labyrinth Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Oval Window, Ear / abnormalities*
  • Oval Window, Ear / diagnostic imaging*
  • Stapes / abnormalities*
  • Stapes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Tympanic Membrane / diagnostic imaging
  • Tympanic Membrane / injuries